Rockdale Medical Center (RMC) announced today that Jerry Dooley will join the hospital as interim chief executive officer (CEO), effective April 22. Dooley will assume the top leadership position following the departure of Deborah Armstrong, who has served as CEO since 2011 and announced her departure from the hospital this week. Armstrong’s last day at RMC is April 22.

“Jerry has an extensive background in healthcare administration and is particularly skilled at guiding hospitals through leadership transitions,” said Robert Klein, chief operating officer (COO) of LifePoint Health’s Central Group, of which RMC is a part. “I am confident he will be a strong leader for the hospital while we conduct a national search to identify the right person to fill the CEO role and lead RMC into the future. I also want to thank Deborah for her many years of service at RMC, and particularly for her leadership over the last five years.”

Dooley is a veteran healthcare administrator with more than 30 years of experience. Most recently, he served as interim market president for LifePoint’s Southern Tennessee Regional Health System (STRHS) and as the interim CEO of STRHS’s campuses in Winchester and Sewanee. Dooley also has served as interim CEO for Scott Memorial Hospital in Scottsburg, Ind.; Jackson Purchase Medical Center in Mayfield, Ky.; and Georgetown Community Hospital in Georgetown, Ky. Before joining LifePoint in 2006, he served as the top leader for several healthcare facilities, including Monroe Hospital in Bloomington, Ind.; Terre Haute Regional Hospital in Terra Haute, Ind.; Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Matoon, Ill.; and Vermillion County Hospital in Clinton, Ind.

“Deborah has been an important member of the Rockdale team and Conyers community for the past 15 years, and we are grateful for her dedication and leadership,” said Rick Simons, chairman of RMC’s Board of Trustees. “We look forward to welcoming Jerry to the community and know that his experience and expertise are just what we need to ensure a seamless transition.”

Dooley holds a master’s degree in economics from Indiana State University and a master’s degree in hospital administration from the University of Minnesota.  He is married to Mary “Cookie” Dooley, a retired school teacher, and they have two grown children, Tami and Mark.

 

About Rockdale Medical Center        

A part of LifePoint Health, Rockdale Medical is a 138-bed acute-care hospital that offers an extensive range of in-patient and out-patient services and leading-edge technology. Rockdale Medical Center is fully accredited by The Joint Commission which evaluates hospital patient care for quality, safety and value. Rockdale Medical Center is part of LifePoint Health®, a leading hospital company with over 70 hospitals nationwide focused on providing quality healthcare services close to home.